About foster and kinship care
Foster care and kinship care are forms of family-based care for children and young people who cannot stay at home because they have been harmed, or are at risk of harm.
Foster and kinship carers are everyday people from all walks of life. Whether they live in metropolitan or regional areas, remote or rural areas, they have a very valued role in our community.
Foster and kinship carers are part of a team of people who work to provide safe and supportive environments for vulnerable children and young people who cannot stay at home because their parents are unable to look after them or they may be at risk of harm.
Our carers may provide care for one or two nights, a few months or even years depending on the situation.
Where possible, children are reunited with their families as soon as possible. Carers assist this process through a commitment to maintain ongoing relationships between children and their families.
Children coming into care are of different ages, cultural and religious backgrounds. Contact with family helps children retain their connection and a sense of personal identity.
For more information, refer to:
- What is foster care?
- What is kinship care?
- Who needs care?
- Provisionally approved carers
- Specialist foster care
- Non family-based care
- Last updated
- 20 August 2007